Denver Catholic

36 1 Patience and Persistence. Yeah, I know, you said one, but these go hand in hand. First, we need to be patient with ourselves. It is easy to beat ourselves up when we miss our prayer time or fall back into one or more of the sins that we have been struggling with. We need to be patient with ourselves — God is. At the same time, we need to be persistent with our prayer life and seeking to know our Lord. Getting back up, dusting ourselves off, and returning to our prayers — and confession if needed — is essential. 2 The Eucharist has played an immense role in my faith. I had wandered away from the faith for a time. I went with some friends to non-denominational services, but something was always missing. As I had forgotten much of what was taught by my CCD teachers (we call them R.E. Teachers now), I couldn't put my finger on what was missing. When I re-learned the truth about the Eucharist, I figured out what was missing, and began to crave it. Going back to confession and the Eucha- rist has been a major key to the growth in my faith, and the dis- cernment process for my vocation to the diaconate. 3 A little of both, actually. As a child, I heard the whisper from time to time, but I really didn't pursue it. When I dis- cussed it with my parents, they disregarded it, saying that I wasn't exactly a very prayerful person. It was only when I started coming back to the Church that I started to pursue it, and the call was closer to a roar. As an adult, when I began to pursue the calling, it reduced back to a whisper. Always there reminding me that he is calling. 1 I learned that I am not in control of my future. I had some medical issues during formation that redirected my path and brought me to a realization that the plans I make may not be the same as those that God had in mind for me. 2 I had an awakening about 15 years ago which brought me to a regular practice of meeting Christ in adoration. Every- thing I have done on my faith journey since then has grown from that practice. 3 I would say it was a whisper. It happened over a 2-3 year period and then it just took off from there. T h a n k y o u for your devotion, love and sacrifice! With love and prayers from your MEADANGELS Newly ordained Deacon Chris Hora and his wife, Gretchen - Congratulations! Deacon Tim McCann, Dir. of Liturgy, and his wife, Angie, Dir. of Religious Education Guardian Angels Catholic Church Father Ron Cattany KHS, Pastor 109 S. 3rd St., Mead, CO 80542 www.meadangels.org D E ACO N CH R I S H O R A Guardian Angels Parish in Mead D E ACO N PAU L VA N H O U DT St. John the Baptist Parish in Johnstown AUGUST 2023 | DENVER CATHOLIC

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